Pep Guardiola's Man City Ready to Keep Pressure on Arsenal

Pep's city aims to close gap on Arsenal

Manchester City, led by Pep Guardiola, return to action against Leeds United, aiming to close the 5-point gap with Premier League leaders Arsenal.

“I don't remember. I'm not here to give advice to Mikel (Arteta)...”

Manchester City players are back in training with fresh legs and minds after Pep Guardiola gave them a three-day break. The team is on a five-match winning streak and aims to keep up the pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal, who are five points clear at the top with one game more than City.

Pep Guardiola emphasized that the break was necessary, saying, “It's not to go to Maldives. Since September-October, we've had long weeks. I've learned in this country, less is more.” Winger Jeremy Doku has also returned to training after suffering a calf injury. City will face Leeds United on Saturday, aiming to close the gap with Arsenal.

“It's not to ‌go to the Maldives. Since September-October, we've had long weeks,” Guardiola told reporters when asked why he gave his players a mid-season break.

“I've learned in this country, less is more. And we can train less because the schedule allowed us. ⁠You have to clean the minds and legs to come back better.”

Jeremy Doku, the talented winger with three goals and 11 assists this season, has returned to training after overcoming a calf injury. He was forced off with the injury in January, but Pep Guardiola recently stated that Doku is “close” to returning to full fitness.

Leeds United, currently 15th in the table, has shown promising form, holding top-five sides Chelsea and Aston Villa in their last two league games. They also pushed Manchester City hard in November, threatening a 2-2 draw before Phil Foden's late winner.

"I'm not here to give advice to Mikel" 😳

Pep Guardiola had a blunt response when asked about when he was trying to win his first league title 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/XihYNvYiHh

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 27, 2026

Pep Guardiola, who's led Manchester City to six Premier League titles since 2017-18, says he doesn't remember how it feels to deal with the pressure of a title race for the first time. “I don't remember. I'm not here to give advice to Mikel (Arteta),” he said, referring to his former assistant coach who's now leading Arsenal.

Guardiola was speaking ahead of City's clash with Leeds United, where they'll look to keep up the pressure on leaders Arsenal, who are five points clear at the top. Arsenal have played one game more than City, who are on a five-match winning streak.